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MOVING BEYOND THE BASICS: ADVANCED TECHNIQUES FOR FORENSIC INTERVIEWS IN SPANISH

Presenter: Ale Levi, Diane Siegel

Abstract Category: Diversity

Instruction Level: Advanced

Presentation: Click Here

Description:      

This workshop will provide bilingual interviewers with advanced tools for conducting challenging forensic interviews in Spanish.

Abstract: 

This presentation is based on the forensic interviewing model created by the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center and will focus on moving beyond the basics by: (1) identifying and understanding cultural strengths and challenges (2) consideration of regional and family language characteristics and (3) maintaining the integrity of an investigation while meeting a child’s language needs in the least traumatic, culturally sensitive, non-threatening and child friendly manner.  Due to the fact that the forensic interview will be conducted in Spanish and team members may be English speaking only, the presenters will also describe and make recommendations for the use of interpreters.

Specific topics will include: (1) strategies for engaging a child who is fearful and/or resistant to share personal information outside of the family circle (2) tools for interviewing children who believe the alleged perpetrator is a loved one or future spouse and (3) discussion of common misunderstandings and misinterpretations of the Spanish language in child sexual abuse cases.  Presenters will highlight and illustrate key learning points through the use of lecture, case studies selected from over 500 forensic interviews conducted in Spanish and an interactive group exercise.